insert_link South AfricaHawks confirm more arrests are expected in a four-billion-rand diamond investment scheme In S.A, the Hawks has confirmed that more arrests are expected in a four-billion-rand diamond investment scheme. Nine suspects, including diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg and his wife, Dezzi, have been arrested. They will appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court today, facing fraud, theft, money laundering, and racketeering charges. Hawks spokesperson Philani Nkwalase told Newzroom Afrika that investors were defrauded since 2019: today24 October, 2024
Business / EconomicsS.A Union Welcomes Inflation Drop, Urging Reserve Bank to Lower Repo Rate S.A Union federation Cosatu has welcomed the drop in consumer inflation from 4.4-to 3.8-percent, saying it offers relief to struggling workers. Spokesperson Matthew Parks is urging the South African Reserve Bank to reduce the repo rate by at least 50 basis points to ease debt burdens. He also calls for government intervention to stabilise Eskom and reduce fuel prices: today24 October, 2024
insert_link South AfricaDA Welcomes Arrest of Louis Liebenberg and Associates in Multi-Billion Rand Diamond Scam South Africa's DA has welcomed the arrest of Louis Liebenberg, his wife Dezzi, and seven associates for their alleged involvement in a four-billion-rand diamond investment scam. Liebenberg is known for funding Jacob Zuma’s legal battles. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp praised former member of Parliament Veronica van Dyk’s role in exposing the scheme, despite facing intimidation and lawsuits: today24 October, 2024
insert_link South AfricaS.A’s Ramaphosa Calls for UN Security Council Reform at BRICS Summit S.A's President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger global cooperation and reform of the United Nations Security Council at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. During his address, he urged BRICS nations to promote peace and development, while expressing support for Palestinian rights. He stated that the current structure fails to represent the global community's interests and has been ineffective in maintaining international peace and security: today24 October, 2024
insert_link Business / EconomicsSA’s inflation drops to 3.8-percent South Africa's inflation rate fell to 3.8 percent last month, down from 4.4 percent in August, marking the lowest rate since early 2021 mainly due to lower transport costs as fuel prices dropped by nine percent from last year. Statistics South Africa’s Patrick Kelly. today23 October, 2024
South AfricaDA’s Gauteng Leader Challenges Premier Panyaza Lesufi to Public Debate on Water Crisis To South Africa now, the DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga is challenging premier Panyaza Lesufi to a public debate on the water crisis in the province. The provincial government has implemented level-one water restrictions until March next year to conserve water. Gauteng loses over 40-percent of clean water due to illegal connections and leakages. Msimanga says at the heart of the water crisis, is the failure of the provincial government […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link South AfricaAfriForum Reiterates Call for SABC Privatisation Amid License Payment Decline AfriForum has reiterated its call for the SABC to be privatised, saying this is the only sustainable option for the continued existence of the public broadcaster. The SABC has revealed that fewer people than ever have paid for their licences over the past year. This includes licences for about two-thousand-500 television sets owned by government departments, with an outstanding licence bill of almost 35-million-rand. AfriForum’s, Ernst van Zyl, says the […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link South AfricaS.A’s Auditor-General Reports Over R3.48 Billion in Wasteful Expenditure by Government Departments The South African Office of the Auditor-General says over the last five years, 36 government departments incurred irregular and wasteful expenditures of 1.48-billion-rand. State-owned entities incurred more than two-billion-rand. The departments of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Basic Education, Police, Tourism, and Treasury were some of the big contributors to wasteful and irregular expenditure. AG's head of audit, Bongi Ngoma, told Parliament’s standing committee on Appropriations, that some of […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link Business / EconomicsThe DA says the port of Cape Town is facing major operational challenges To South Africa, where the DA says the port of Cape Town is facing major operational challenges, warning these issues could severely impact the upcoming fruit export season. According to the party, the port, managed by Transnet, missed key targets in July and August, including container movements and ship turnaround times. The DA’s Noko Masipa urged Transnet to fast-track private sector involvement to boost efficiency and prevent disruptions that harm […] today23 October, 2024
